U14 Match Report
Portarlington RFC v Roscrea RFC
Portarlington hosted Roscrea today with the rain holding off, though the ground was soft underfoot. What followed was a performance that showed the loyal home support just how quickly this group of young players is becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The opening exchanges were fairly even, with Roscrea applying early pressure only to be met by Port’s strong and well-organised defensive lines. Port stood firm, kept things simple, and were rewarded when quick ball from an offloaded ruck released Tom Coen, who powered through for Port’s opening try. Bradley Cooper added the conversion.
Roscrea responded immediately with a well-worked try down the wing from the restart, setting the tone for what was shaping up to be an exciting contest. Port regrouped well, moving the ball at pace through the backline, allowing Sam Petriw to loop into the line and force his way over for Port’s second try.
The home side were now settling into their rhythm. Solid scrum ball fed Bradley Cooper, who showed great strength to drive over for Port’s third try, which he converted. Roscrea again stayed in touch, capitalising on loose ball at a tackle to score their second try of the half.
Rather than knocking Port’s confidence, this seemed to spur them on further. Just before the break, Sean Fitzpatrick (C) read an attack perfectly and intercepted on the halfway line. With the crowd urging him on every step of the way, he showed great determination to carry the ball from half way line to cross for Port’s fourth try. Cooper once again converted, leaving Port with a 26–12 lead at half time.
Roscrea came out strongly after the break, pinning Port inside their own 22 for the opening ten minutes. Sustained pressure eventually gave way, with Roscrea crossing for two tries to narrow the gap to 26–22 with nine minutes remaining.
Port showed real maturity in response. They regrouped, secured their rucks, and moved the ball patiently through the hands. From a perfectly timed pop pass, Oisín Geoghegan burst down the left wing, beating two defenders before finishing strongly over the line for Port’s fifth and final try.
This was undoubtedly the finest performance these boys have produced to date, highlighting how the hard work on the training ground is beginning to pay off. It was a complete team effort, with all fifteen players working tirelessly as a unit and supporting each other throughout.
Outstanding performances on the day came from Dan Carroll, Sam Lyons, Sean Fitzpatrick, Jack McDonald, Luca Hynes, Jack Turley, Charlie Merriman, and Tom Coen.

Man of the Match for an outstanding all-round performance: Michael Owens.

Team:
Jack McDonald, Ciarán Moore, Harry Robinson, Finn Costello, Luca Hynes, Charlie Merriman, Sam Lyons, Tom Coen, Tadgh O’Connor, Bradley Cooper, Arran Dunne, Sean Fitzpatrick (C), Michael Owens, Mark Finlay, Sam Petriw, Oisín Geoghegan, Aidan Scully, Dan Carroll, Sean Kiernan, Jack Turley.